How Joe Goldberg Goes to Prison, Marienne’s Return

The series finale of “You” on Netflix has left fans with a lot to unpack. Joe Goldberg, the charismatic serial killer played by Penn Badgley, finally faces the consequences of his actions as he is put behind bars by his former victims who team up to bring him to justice.

At the start of Season 5, Joe is living a seemingly normal life with his wealthy wife Kate and their son Henry. However, his past catches up with him when he meets Bronte, a woman who turns out to be a catfish named Louise seeking answers about her friend Guinevere Beck. Despite being caught on camera committing a murder, Joe manages to escape conviction with Louise’s help.

But Kate and Joe’s other victims, Nadia and Marienne, are determined to see him pay for his crimes. They trap him in a cage under the bookstore and gather enough evidence to incriminate him in Love’s murder. Joe’s escape plan with Louise is foiled when she turns on him, leading to a violent confrontation in the woods that ends with Joe’s arrest.

The finale of “You” explores themes of accountability and redemption as Joe reflects on his actions while reading fan letters in his prison cell. The show’s creators, Sera Gamble and Greg Berlanti, wanted to challenge viewers’ perceptions of Joe and show the true extent of his depravity.

The decision to end the series with Joe in prison was a deliberate choice to deny him the freedom he craved and force him to face the consequences of his actions. The inclusion of past characters like Beck and Nadia allowed the show to revisit unresolved storylines and give closure to Joe’s victims.

Throughout Season 5, Joe is seen working on a vampire novel, a reflection of his inner turmoil and violent impulses. The use of pop music, social media, and celebrity cameos added layers to the show and highlighted Joe’s disconnect from reality.

Overall, the creators of “You” wanted to create a thought-provoking and intense finale that would leave viewers questioning their own perceptions of morality and empathy. The show’s success lies in its ability to blend elements of romance, suspense, and psychological thriller into a compelling narrative that keeps audiences on the edge of their seats until the very end.